MURDERER Shane Fitzpatrick made the "most determined" escape attempt Preston Prison has seen in a decade, it can be revealed.

And a judge released Fitzpatrick on bail despite knowing he had tried to flee jail because the prosecution disclosed late evidence.

Fitzpatrick, who had been a member of the Clayton Runners athletics club, attempted to break out of Preston Prison on New Year's Eve and got as far as the outer wall before the alarm was raised.

He was charged with the offence and appeared in court earlier this year.

The matter could not be reported until now after a judge let the offence lie on file.

During court hearings, the prosecution said jail bosses had described Fitzpatrick's escape bid as the "most determined" they had seen at Preston Prison for a decade.

On his way back from a visiting sessions at the prison Fitzpatrick managed to give the wardens the slip.

He made it outside and scaled a five-metre high razor-wired fence, cutting himself considerably.

But as he approached the outer wall he was re-captured and returned to his cell.

At a court hearing after the escape attempt, Fitzpatrick had to wear a bright blue and yellow checked uniform.

He had been brought straight from Preston Prison where these uniforms are used so prisoners who have tried to escape can be easily spotted. But despite knowing about the escape bid, at the end of March Judge Anthony Russell QC released Fitzpatrick on bail.

The prosecution had disclosed late evidence which prompted the trial, which had been due to take place on March 13, to be put back to June 20.

The evidence related to possible sightings of Mr Guilfoyle after the date he disappeared.

Fitzpatrick's defence team told Judge Anthony Russell QC that they would claim their client had not committed the murder because Mr Guilfoyle was infact still alive.

Therefore the information was vital to their case, they said.